SEBAGO SUMMER - ON THE WAY!

BOATS OFF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF FRANCE PH: JASON JOBSONDust off the lawn furniture and roll out the Grills because the warm weather and summer sun are finally on the way!   I know winter is over the first weekend it feels warm enough to wear my favorite boat shoes!  Growing up on the East Coast, boating is never that far away.  Between the Atlantic Sebago Spinnkaer - Red/ Navy / WhiteOcean, the Hudson River, and endless Lakes, a harbour lifestyle is not hard to find.   In fact, there are few pastimes more popular than nautical pursuits.   From the JASON JOBSON SHOPPING IN ST. TROPEZ IN SEBAGO DOCKSIDESSouthern coast of France to the Southern Coast of California, the beauty of the seashore is unmatched by anything man made.   Of course in the fashion world, there are few reference more timeless and valid that boating and nautical style.

Boat shoes from companies like SEBAGO have  been a tradition for all hands on deck for generations.  Since the 1940's the New England company has been providing hand sewn mocs to a dedicated audience.   Of course now the shoes are known worldwide.   Even the trendiest retailer in Paris - Colette - carries a special collection of these American Classics.

Everyone should have a pair in their closet.  They are the perfect go-to shoe for that weekend trip out of town, or just pounding the pavement of NYC or any Metropolis you call home.

Personally, I size down a half a size because the leather of my Sebago Docksides stretch a bit.   I'm not timid about wearing them everywhere.. weekends on the dock or even during the week when I'm on the clock!

SEBAGO SPINNAKER -WHITE / NAVY / TANClick- NORDSTROM  to visit their web-store now - you'll have them worn in for next weekend!

If you prefer something a little dressier, of courseSALVATORE FERRAGAMO BOAT SHOE - NAVY / BROWN Italian designers like Ferragamo also offer their version of boat shoes.   Beautifully crafted in Italy, click BLOOMINGDALE'S to shop a great selection.    

Of course the folks at Zappos have revolutionized the way people shop on-line for footwear.   The innovative shopping site has numerous Sebago styles to choose from - click Sebago to shop Zappos now. 

Happy Summer!  Hope to see you on the dock in your SEBAGOS!

Royal Reception in Dumbo, Brooklyn

ROYAL RECEPTION UNDER THE BRIDGE IN DUMBOWhile all eyes were on London last week, the folks at the BBC, the Big Apple Brits, The Photo Booth & Video, & The Dumbo Improvement District  put together their own celebration for the Royal union!   Those interested in viewing the festivities live were able to watch in full color and life size video Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass.  The party started THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE ON THE BIG DAYat 4:30am and sources say - there wasn't an empty seat under the bridge!  I trust the sources because I didn't make it to the celebration until about 2pm.   At that point, the projection screen was replaying a recap of the whole event.   Included were enough shots of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and that now famous hat - the one that almost upstaged William & Kate!  I say almost because Kate was so beautiful in that Alexander McQueen dress - she was not to be missed.  

While the outfits worn by both Princess Beatrice & Princess Eugenie were ridiculed, they were no simple frocks.  Beatrice was wearing Valentino Couture &  Eugenie wore Vivienne Westwood.PRINCESSES EUGENIE & BEATRICE IN VALENTINO & VIVIENNE WESTWOOD AND PHILIP TREACY HATS  Both wore hats by Philip Treacy. 

Queen Elizabeth seemed happy, or as happy as she can seem.  Prince Philip seemed in good form and with news that he is turning 90 this year - I hope I can be as attentive at a ceremony like that at the same age.

JASON JOBSON & THE ROYAL COUPLEThe Big Apple Brits kept the part going well into the night.  The space in Dumbo was the perfect venue for the biggest wedding reception in NYC this year!  Visit their website to see what the BAB are planning next!

 The folks at the booth photo & Video were also on hand.  These masters of lighting and photography give party goers the chance to snap their own pics - you pick the venue! 

I snapped my pic with the royal couple themselves! 

BARB JUNGR'S U.S. RETURN

BARB JUNGROne more time in 2010!  That's right BARB JUNGR fans, the "British Edith Piaf" is skipping across the pond once more before the end of the year in support of her latest album - THE MEN I LOVE.

Jungr sailed through a sold out schedule earlier in the year when she hit New York's Metropolitan Room that saw rave reviews from  The New York Times, Time Out, & audiences who were blown away!

This time around catch the most talented cabaret performer of her generation before it's too late, as Barb is here and gone in a flash!   Pre-order tickets to be sure you get the chance to see this unique talent in person.BARB JUNGR -THE MEN I LOVE - NAIM LABEL

NYC - JOE'S PUB - NOV. 28th

CLEVELAND - NIGHTTOWN - NOV. 29th & 30Th

ST. LOUIS - CABARET ST. LOUIS - DEC. 1st - 4th

SAN FRANCISCO - THE RRAZZ ROOM - DEC. 7th & 8th

 Click on the venue links to buy tickets now!

BARB JUNGR & THE MEN SHE LOVES

BARB JUNGR'S LATEST ALBUMSome singers write their own songs and some work with writers who create songs for them.   The listening public usually has no idea who created a song, as what you hear is what you know.  

British chanteuse Barb Jungr is in another category altogether.  Ms. Jungr is a very talented singer who works with songs that have been recorded by major artists such as Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen and completely rearranges them.    To say Jungr "covers" a song really doesn't do her justice,  as that term refers to simply singing someone else's song.  Barb basically rewrites a song and truly makes it her own.  

There is a hint of the original song when you hear the chorus, but really just because you're familiar with the lyrics- not because it sounds the same.   No, Ms. Jungr gives you new little gems that are multifaceted and often have equal parts sparkle, as they do dark crevices that never existed before.  Jungr has been called the "British Piaf" and her work is critically acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic.  

There is something about sadness, regret, and heartbreak that draws so many music lovers to listen to songs over and over again.   A universal attraction to the beauty of pain, and the sense of hope a great song can give you after just a few minutes.   As powerful as any medicine, a song can nurse you back to a state of mind where you can face the world.    In this sense, Jungr is just what the Doctor ordered.   BARB JUNGR & JASON JOBSON AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

I recently caught one of her sets at The Metropolitan Room in NYC.  The venue is a favorite of  jazz and cabaret fans and performers alike.  With 115 seats, the room is intimate enough to let the artist see the reaction of the crowd as a show unfolds.  After hearing Ms. Jungr live, I realize she is more than a singer - but a true performer.   On stage she has the power to take you up with a wind blown lyric,  and then drag you through the depths of a long lost dream with another.   Great performers have the ability to create this arc - Jungr has it in spades.

Let's all hope that some brilliant producer creates a one Woman show for Barb Jungr.   I can see her starring in a modern Rock Opera.  Think Tommy or Hedwig & The Angry Inch.  Barb Jungr would blow your mind with that type of material!  

How exciting and rare it is to see a performer that you know has amazing things to come!!   Keep listening to Barb Jungr - as great as her work is now,  I'm sure there is something huge just around the corner!   Click  JUNGR- to buy Barb's latest album released on NAIM label.